CDU the first to reward recycling

A new recycling machine allowing staff and students to recycle for vouchers and prizes has been officially launched at Charles Darwin University.

The new Envirobank machine is the first of its kind in the Northern Territory and offers rewards such as ipods for aluminium cans and plastic bottles.

CDU Vice-Chancellor Professor Barney Glover launched the machine saying he was pleased that CDU had secured the first machine in the NT for staff and students to utilise.

“The machine can hold up to 3000 containers, compared with 200 in a traditional waste bin, so it will improve CDU’s capacity for recycling,” Professor Glover said.

The Envirobank machine reads each bar code to determine the product material type, and then sorts and crushes the containers.

Envirobank representatives Narelle Anderson and Pete Walkington were on site at Casuarina campus to demonstrate the machine’s swipe card technology.

“Those who register to use the Envirobank will receive a loyalty card to gather points based on the amount of containers recycled,” she said. “Once you reach the required amount of points you can redeem them for some great prizes online,” Ms Anderson said.

She said anyone using the machine could also receive mystery prizes on offer, which can be redeemed on site at CDU.

CDU Director Finance and Asset Services, Steve Teale said the reverse vending machine concept had been implemented successfully in a handful of Australian universities as part of their recycling programs.

The Envirobank recycling machine is located in The Strand, CDU’s Casuarina campus.